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Saved By Grace - Through Faith

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Grace Alone…
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Saved By Grace - Through Faith
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It Has Been A While – Trusting God in 2022

In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me? ~ Psalm 56:4 (ESV) It has been a while since I have updated this blog. Not sure what prompted the notion to update the blog today. Maybe I am ready to share again? Not…

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Iris Nelson

irisnelson_photo

Location: Arizona
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⭐️ Branding| Food| Head-Shots| Products

Wishing you all Happy Holidays. No matter what you Wishing you all Happy Holidays. No matter what you are celebrating this season, may you spend some time with family & friends, take some rest and reflect on the past year.

I know I have been very quiet here or any social media. Let me tell you, it has been a rough year in our house. My hope is that 2025 will be a little better and I will be able to photograph more. And maybe even refine my style in the new year. 
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#canonr5 #canonmacro100mm #foodphotography #clickproelite #clickprophotographer #Arizona #holidays #creativejourney #peppermintmocca #replicasurfaces #profotob2 #profotoa1
This make-up remover for lids, lashes & lips is st This make-up remover for lids, lashes & lips is still my favorite. Trust me, I have tried many, but always come back to this one. 😍

My lighting set-up was a little different this time. I usually light from the right side; I thought shaking it up a little with back-light. The #profoto A2 is small, yet very powerful, so perfect for my little in-home studio. Let me know what you think of the different lighting set-up.
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#clickprophotographers #clickproelite #clickmagazine #freelancephotographer #arizonaphotographer #productphotography #profotoa2 #vflatworld #vflatduoboards #canonr5 #sigma24-70
I really wanted to stay consistent this year, howe I really wanted to stay consistent this year, however life had different plans. 

March/April I had some medical issues, ending up with surgery. The surgery was quick (helps if you have an amazing surgical team), and I am about 98% back to being healthy. You see, I rarely get sick, but I guess when I get sick, it hits fairly hard 😮.
I do hope that I can stay consistent from here on out, have inspiration, and continue photographing what I am good at. I do enjoy individual portraiture, however my heart is where it always has been - food & product photography. 
Couple of things I added to my home studio this year: #Profoto A2 & purchased some backdrops (including shadow boards) from #vflatworld. So far, I am happy with the additions, and i hope they will keep me inspired to come up with photos that are also inspiring to others (and maybe land me some local clients).
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#clickproelite #clickprophotographers #Sigma24-70 #profoto #vflatworld #freelancephotographer #arizonaphotographer #foodphotographer #drinkphotographer #icedcoffee
“Food is maybe the only universal thing that rea “Food is maybe the only universal thing that really has the power to bring everyone together. No matter what culture, everywhere around the world, people get together to eat.”
- Guy Fieri
Welcome to our Food Photography Loop!
Follow the tags to see a creative vision of food and drink from each of the photographers in this delicious group, or go to #ourfoodphotographyloop.

Next up: @kdokoza
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#ourfoodphotographyloop #CanonR5 #100mmmacro #foodphotography #badabling #ProfotoB10 #minicupcakes #irisnelsonphotography #gilbertaz #smallbusiness #supportsmallbusiness
UPDATE!!! Please note that I still offer "Over 40 UPDATE!!! Please note that I still offer "Over 40 & Fabulous" sessions, however it will not be on the same day. If you are interested in booking this introductory offer, please contact me via my website or via email (see below for email address 👇)

Happy International Women's Day!!!💟

How often were you told when you were younger that women over 40 are old? It’s time to change this narrative and you can be a part of this movement. 

As much as a Over 40 & Fabulous session is a celebration of who you are, it’s also your chance to be a role model for younger women who are terrified of getting older and what that might mean and look like.

Use these photos to tell your story and highlight your unique beauty.

Please note that I offer this session only on 1 Day in May. There will be only 4 spots available. The sessions will take place in a rented studio in Downtown Phoenix. For more details or booking a session, please email me at iris@irisnelsonphotography.com. If there is more interest, I may offer additional sessions in the Fall of 2024.
Model: @susanbairdphoto who is Over 40 & Fabulous. 
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#internationalwomensday2024 #inclusion #Over40&Fabulous #womensportraiture #canonphotographer #luxuryportraits #studiophotography #arizonaphotographer
Today, I am back with my favorite cup. I know that Today, I am back with my favorite cup. I know that orange is not everyone's cup of tea (pun intended), but I love the warmth & pop of color.
Wondering what is in the cup? Trader Joe's glazed chocolate donut holes 😊 - they were very tasty...
They say that you should curate your feed for more views on Instagram. I tell you: photograph what you love and share your work, no matter what others think you should do. 
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#traderjoesfinds #foodphotography #lensbabyvelvet56 #lensbabyambassador #clickcommunity #clickprophotographers #clickproelite #vflatworld #profotoa2 #freelancephotographer #dessert2024 #shadow&light #becreative #shotwhatyoulove
Many of you know that I took @meg_nlo "The Artist' Many of you know that I took @meg_nlo "The Artist's Eye" workshop at Click Photo School. I am so very sad that the workshop completed yesterday.

Although the workshop focused heavily on portraiture, I have learned things that I can apply to my work. One thing is for sure: Meg is not only an amazing artist, but also a great teacher. One thing I always had trouble with was correcting colors. Red is a very tricky color to work with, but Meg showed in her editing videos how to correct colors in a way I understood (BTW - you can see the before image in my stories). So, thank you Meg.

I know that the workshop will run again at Click Photo School this year. So if you really want to learn about fine art portraiture or color corrections or anything in between - Meg is an open book to share how she works through everything from light set-ups to editing. 

For this image, I used the @profoto B10 as my background, and my new A2 as the main light. 
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#clickproelite #clickprophotographers #profotousa #sigma2470art #v-flatworld #canonr5 #mycanon #clickphotoschool #clickcommunity #clickmagazine #clinique #productphotography #freelancephotographer
If you ever have the chance to take @meg_nlo works If you ever have the chance to take @meg_nlo workshop "The Artist's Eye", you will not regret it. I love that Meg is giving me the tools to be more creative with created light. Not only does she explain set-ups in depth, but also gives you pointers on how to improve. I am so thankful that I am able to take this workshop to improve my portrait photography and to be inspired to be more creative. 

This lighting is called "checkerboard lighting". I was drawn to this particular lighting because it is something out of the ordinary portrait lighting. 
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#clickphotoschool #clickcommunity #theartistseyeworkshop #createdlighting #canonr5 #profotob10 #profotousa #sigma35mmart #selfportrait #checkerboardlighting
I made some cupcakes last night but I really need I made some cupcakes last night but I really need to work on my decorating skills. 

“Food is maybe the only universal thing that really has the power to bring everyone together. No matter what culture, everywhere around the world, people get together to eat.”
- Guy Fieri

Welcome to our Food Photography Loop!
Follow the tags to see a creative vision of food and drink from each of the photographers in this delicious group, or go to #ourfoodphotographyloop.

Next up: @dorenehookey
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#canonR5 #sigmaart24-70 #foodphotography #profotoB10 #clickcommunity #clickprophotographers #cupcakes #homebaking #vflatworld #duoboards
As I mentioned a couple posts back, I am currently As I mentioned a couple posts back, I am currently taking @meg_nlo new "The Artist's Eye" workshop at @clickphotoschool. This was my final assignment for week one; I made some slight adjustments after Meg critiqued the image. Meg's work speaks for itself and I am thrilled to learn from her. 

This image was inspired by Claude Monet's painting "Poppies in the Field" (my blouse), and of course from a portrait by the Queen Elizabeth, who had a great love for corgis (actually was also a breeder of them). One major takeaway from week one of the workshop: you can find inspirations from other artists, however create an image that is unique, and not an imitation from someone else's work.

Until I can figure out how to book clients for my small photography business, you will see more personal projects on my IG account. Some people say to have a separate account for client work, but I can't even keep up with one account 😂
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#canonr5 #sigmaart2470 #canonadapter #profotob10 #profotousa #clickphotoschool #clickprophotographers #clickproelite #freelancephotographer #megloekstheartistseye #inspirationnotimitation #corgilifestyle #personalwork
The other day I stopped in @badablingcupcakes loca The other day I stopped in @badablingcupcakes located in Gilbert, Arizona. 
These cupcakes are mini cupcakes, because I wanted to try them first before committing getting a full size cupcake. If you know me, I do not like frosting, however the frosting on those mini cupcakes is divine. 
Being myself a small business owner, I am a huge advocate for local small businesses. If you are in the Gilbert/Mesa area, why don't you stop by their little store to get some cupcakes?
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#clickprophotographers #clickcommunity #marcophotography #CanonR5 #canonmacro100mm #profotob10 #profotousa #smallbusinessowners #supportlocalbusiness #shoplocal #freelancephotographer
Yesterday I had a little mini session with Watson Yesterday I had a little mini session with Watson and myself. You see, I had an assignment due for @meg_nlo amazing new workshop "The Artist's Eye". I am super-excited to learn from an amazing artist & teacher. ❤️

The image of Watson was not my submission for the assignment. As I was setting up lights & my camera, Watson was sitting nice and pretty for me so I had to take the shot. He has become such a sweetheart, but has still wild moments (I might, at a later date, post some outtakes from our mini session). I can't forget that he is only 9 months old. 
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#Watsonourcorgi #clickphotoschool #theartistseye #megloeks #clickcommunity #clickproelite #clickprophotographers #petphotographylife #canonr5 #sigmaart2470 #profotob10 #profotousa
My friend @jennifercarrphotography said in her lat My friend @jennifercarrphotography said in her latest newsletter: "Put down the phone. Stop reading, watching, wishing, hoping. Pick up the camera and create a photograph."

We all hope to have thousands of followers on Instagram who might see our work, but it doesn't happen for all of us. I used to always check my numbers, but why? Yes, I would like to create images for clients, however I think that Instagram is not the right place to reach clients. So why do I still use Instagram? It is my hope that I inspire others to photograph what they love and brings them joy. Forget the numbers of followers and the IG algorithm. Photograph from your heart, my friends. 

One thing that has always brought me joy over the years, is my @lensbabyusa Velvet 56. I know I have said it before, but it is my all-time favorite lens. Now with the technology of the mirror-less cameras, manual focus has become much easier (especially with aging eyes like mine). 
Do you have a favorite lens? Please share with me in the comments.

Backdrop & Shadow boards: @vflatworld 
Camera: Canon R5
Lighting: Profoto B10
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#freelancephotographer #product #foodstyling #canonR5 #profotob10 #vflatworld #lensbabyvelvet56 #lensbabyambassador #simplefoodphotography #clickprophotographers #clickmagazine
After purchasing the shadow boards from @vflatworl After purchasing the shadow boards from @vflatworld, I ordered last week a couple of their duo boards. I have to say that I am impressed with their quality, and they are double sided, which is easier on the pocketbook. 😊 Their boards have truly inspired me to shoot every weekend. 

On another note, this image was created for the @thebiteshot monthly #challenge. If you are not a member of The Bite Shot community, I encourage you to check the community out. Joanie is very supportive and active in the community; she is such a gem ❤️.

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#canonr5 #vflatworld #duoboards #shadowboards #shadow&light #profotob10 #profotoa1 #foodstyling #clickproelite #clickprophotographer #freelancephotographer #foodchallenge #challenge #thebiteshotcommunity
These mini mousse cakes are just the perfect bite. These mini mousse cakes are just the perfect bite. 😊
I had the hardest time styling the layout at first, but then I remembered I had the cloth which I think worked great with the mini cakes.
This time I didn't use any of the shadow boards (didn't want to overdo it 😊)
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#canonR5 #100macrolens #clickproelite #clickprophotographers #clickcommunity #profotob10 #foodphoto #minidessert #perfectbite #foodstylingandphotography #freelancephotographer
I know, I know...Christmas is long over, but I wan I know, I know...Christmas is long over, but I wanted to still photograph this little poinsettia with glitter (of course it is from Trader Joe's 😂)
As I mentioned yesterday, I am totally obsessed with the shadow boards from @vflatworld. They have quiet a few different options, and different packages. I purchased the window package which has 3 different shadow cut-outs. If you create flat lays, product/food photography, you might want to check them out. 
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#canonr5 #profotob10 #clickprophotographers #clickproelite #vflatworld #shadowboards #freelancephotographer #smallbusiness #sigma2470art #creativeideas #flatlays
By now you probably know that I shop a lot at Trad By now you probably know that I shop a lot at Trader Joe's 😊. I do not drink soda/pop, however I like to drink flavored seltzer water. One of my favorites is the blood orange seltzer water. It is refreshing, and has just the right amount of flavor. 

Oh, and I am totally obsessed with the shadow boards I purchased a couple weeks ago. I know that you cannot tell I used one in this image. They work best with light color boards, however tomorrow I will share one with a dark color board.
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#beveragephotography #clickprophotographers #clickproelite #profotob10 #canonr5 #lensbabyusa #veltvet56 #lensbabyambassador #shadowboards #vflatworld #freelancephotographer #smallbusiness #traderjoesfinds
Last week I listened in to Mr. Kate's latest YouTu Last week I listened in to Mr. Kate's latest YouTube video. They were talking about being stuck creating. One quote that stuck with me over past few days is "stop scrolling & start creating".
That hit home. Don't get me wrong, I love seeing what other creatives creating, and being inspired by it. However, I can't create if I continue to scroll through IG, and never pick up my own camera.
My goal for today is that I create at least 5 images that give me a buffer to share next week.

What are you working on this week? Are you getting inspired by scrolling through social media? If so, don't forget to pick up your camera too.
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#quoteworthy #creativespace #smallbusiness #freelancephotographer
I have a new favorite lip product. At first I thou I have a new favorite lip product. At first I thought the color would be too dark for me; it is not. It just enhances the natural lip color as you can see in my head-shot I posted a couple of days ago. 

In case you are wondering; the lip product is from Charlotte Tilbury. I didn't seek the product out, but sometimes I pick up new items at the register to try, and I am glad that I did. 😊

I tried a new lighting technique, and I loved playing with it. I might play a little more with the new found technique, because it is fun and interesting. 
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#productphoto #canonR5 #profotob10 #sigmaart #24-70mm #shadowboards #clickproelite #clickprophotographer #freelancephotographer #smallbusinessowner
The word for me of 2024 is... FOCUS Focus on faith The word for me of 2024 is...
FOCUS
Focus on faith, family, friends, and future. Trust me when I say that I get easily distracted - you know those squirrel moments (well maybe you don't have them 😊)

Faith - I want to dive back in to the book of Philippians (my favorite epistle for many, many years). 

As I was pulling out prints from my family, I realized I don't have one from our son (only his Senior image form high school - so sad). 

Looking at the image of my husband from many years ago, I realized how much I miss having our weekend photography walks; unfortunately his health doesn't allow for those long walks any more. 

As for my future, I really want to focus back on my business. The last couple of years I haven't created much or focused on getting clients (which I still have to figure out the "how"). You know how much I love food photography, and I really want to learn new techniques so that I can create images for restaurants/cafes. 

My husband gave me Joanie Simon's book for Christmas. If you are not familiar with Joanie's work, check out her IG account @thebiteshot. Joanie is amazing and inspiring, and an awesome teacher too. Product photography is another passion, which you can't find too many classes on, so I will figure it out myself to create more compelling images. 

Do you have a word for 2024? Please do share in the comments below...
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#wordoftheyear2024 #smallbusinessowner #supportsmallbusinesses #creative #contentcreator #clickprophotographer #clickcommunity #clickmagazine
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